My team and I finally arrived in Kenya on May 28th after a long 2 and a half days of travel! From the moment we stepped off the plane everyone has shown such kindness and helpfulness. The CYEC organizations founder Paul Mania set us up with trusted guides so we've also felt very safe every step of our journey.
The past two days in country have been very hectic. We arrived in Nairobi around 10:30 p.m. the 28th after a delay with our Amsterdam flight. Since landing we have literally walked and drove all over Nairobi learning the country's history and culture. We've toured the most prestigious university in Kenya, the University of Nairobi. It's beautiful campus then led in to a tree arboretum. Besides walking on the crowded sidewalks with hundreds of indigenous Kenyans and crazy crowded streets, we've also see a lot of Kenya's history and wildlife in museums, the giraffe center, and animal orphanage park just to name a few!
We've also learned how to pay properly in Kenya shillings. 100 Kenya shillings is about the same as one American dollar so we always feel like big spenders when we just go to the Nakumart (supermarket) to buy snacks or water.
These past two days have truly opened my eyes to diverse ways of life. Nearly everything from the sights and smells are completely new and different from what I am accustomed to. Even though I am still in the busy business district and heart of Nairobi, people everywhere find time to talk and hang out throughout the day. It is not uncommon to find friends embarrassing in hugs or holding hands on their ways to work. The cultural space boundaries seems much smaller than the United States...even in casual conversation people will embrace in hugs and handshakes while standing very close to you.
Also, although I am in a foreign land and constantly seeing new things, many the the children we've met have also been intrigued by us. We've often had people yell "foreigners" "mazunga! (White person)" or snap pictures of us. It's is true that the impact of our service will be very much double sided. We will have an impact on the children for better or worse as they will on us.
I need to get some much needed rest now. Tomorrow I am headed to Nyeri to finally move into the CYEC. I'm thrilled to meet the children, staff, and fellow penn state volunteers & learn what our roles and impact will look like this summer!
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Monday, May 13, 2013
Last Thursday my summer journey suddenly became a reality for me. I was
sitting in my International Service Team's class reflecting on the semester,
when I realized it was my last class! My instructor was asking for last minute
questions when I thought to myself, "I will be in Kenya in just a little
over two weeks; am I ready for this? I feel like I should know more." Even
after a semester of preparing, I know I will not be mentally or emotionally
prepared for the exciting rollercoaster ride this summer will bring.
I know I can only gain so much through stories and research; I am ready to experience service abroad and the Kenyan culture for myself!
"The best way to find yourself, is to lose yourself in the service of others." Mahatma Gandhi
My personal goal for the summer is to become a better active listener. I want to work with children and staff at the CYEC (Children and Youth Empowerment Centre) and serve them the way they wish. A major part of my team's and I's mission for this summer is to selflessly serve their needs, not our desires. I pray we stay focused on our overall goal and not get caught up in technical day-to-day issues. I believe we all have the knowledge and strength within ourselves to overcome adverse situations.
While we have been reading, listening, and talking about this adventure for months, now is the time to put all of our acquired knowledge and skills to use. We are diving into our summer service with open minds and hearts; we can only hope that the children and staff will be as gracious and open as all of the past visitors have stated.
I know I can only gain so much through stories and research; I am ready to experience service abroad and the Kenyan culture for myself!
"The best way to find yourself, is to lose yourself in the service of others." Mahatma Gandhi
My personal goal for the summer is to become a better active listener. I want to work with children and staff at the CYEC (Children and Youth Empowerment Centre) and serve them the way they wish. A major part of my team's and I's mission for this summer is to selflessly serve their needs, not our desires. I pray we stay focused on our overall goal and not get caught up in technical day-to-day issues. I believe we all have the knowledge and strength within ourselves to overcome adverse situations.
While we have been reading, listening, and talking about this adventure for months, now is the time to put all of our acquired knowledge and skills to use. We are diving into our summer service with open minds and hearts; we can only hope that the children and staff will be as gracious and open as all of the past visitors have stated.
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